I FEEL so sorry for all who have been affected by the recent floods.

It's hard for most of us to imagine the chaos and heartbreak, to say nothing of financial implications.

I used to live on a stretch of Cedar Street in Blackburn which was on the level but faced rows of terraced houses which ran uphill at right angles to us.

During any heavy rain water would pour off the gutters and across the road to us. The drains often couldn't cope. They backed up and water flooded through the Cedar Street properties.

However, many of the houses had flood boards which fitted into a slat of wood on each side of the front doorstep. These boards were a great help in turning away much of the water and sand bags could be piled in front of them too.

Perhaps it might be a help if some of the houses in Ribchester were to fit similar flood boards.

At least then they could be put in place during spells of weather such as we've been experiencing lately and give people some peace of mind when they go to bed at night or leave for work in the morning. Just a thought.

EILEEN EASTHAM, Darwen.